Chick-fil-A to open locations in Wheaton, Aurora
The roost is getting bigger for Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A as it plans to move into the suburban Chicago market by August.
With locations set to open in Aurora this summer and Wheaton later this year, the new restaurants are the start of a massive push for the chicken chain with a loyal following.
"Chicago and its suburbs - that's our next big growth market," said spokeswoman Brenda Green.
The company, with nearly 1,500 locations in nearly 40 states, said it has heard requests for years about moving into this area.
"We've heard them loud and clear," Green said.
Best known for its fresh hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich, the company will break ground Wednesday, April 21, for its new restaurant near Fox Valley Mall. The company is tearing down the Smokey Bones Restaurant at 4435 Fox Falley Center Drive next week to pave way for the new eatery.
The Wheaton location is expected to open by the end of the year on Loop Road with a third eatery in Orland Park also set for a 2010 opening.
"Then we have an aggressive plan for 2011. Chicago has been on our radar for a long time," Green said.
The longtime-family business has considered a Chicago expansion in the past, but pulled out, stating the timing wasn't right.
Analysts say Chick-fil-A is a "good operation" and has been cautious about growing too quickly. "They're very methodical about what they do," said John Melaniphy, president of retail consulting firm Melaniphy & Associates in Chicago.
He doesn't believe the chicken chain will see the same fate as other companies that came to the area with a strong following, such as Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
"Krispy Kreme was a stock play, Chick-fil-A is a sound, solid food operation," Melaniphy said.
Bill Bishop, food retailing consultant at Willard Bishop Consulting Barrington, agrees.
"This is one of the real success stories in the food service industry," he said.
He said the chain emphasizes quality in its product, value and service and the combination "is what wins recurring patrons."
Despite the sluggish economy, the restaurant chain, also known for its waffle fries and signature freshly squeezed lemonade, continues to see record growth. Late last year, for the first time in its history, it surpassed $3 billion in annual sales, just nine years after recording its first $1 billion in sales. The company has seen growth in its annual sales since its inception in 1967.
S. Truett Cathy founded the company and serves as CEO with his son, Dan T. Cathy, working as president and COO. The founders' grandchildren also play a role in the growing company.
"It's a true family business that's not like any other chicken chain," Green said.
Residents throughout the suburbs who have tried the chicken sandwiches say they are glad to see the chain come to Chicago. Several Illinois universities, including, Eastern, Southern and University of Illinois house the popular eatery.
Libertyville resident Jim Moran is hoping that the restaurant comes to his home town. Moran, a Libertyville High School graduate who now works as a news and traffic reporter, launched a Facebook page and grass roots campaign with hopes that the Lake County community will make Chick-fil-A's list.
Moran, visiting West Virginia this week, added that he had a Chick-fil-A sandwich Monday.
"Hopefully if we make some noise up in Libertyville, they'll look our way," he said.
Fast food sampling
Several food establishments and when they hit the Chicago and suburban market
Restaurant
Arrived
Suburban locations
Culver's
1997
52
Jimmy John's
1995
175
McDonald's
1955
436
Sonic
2008
9
Source: Local restaurants